Jan de Jonge's 2021 Summer Business Plans

Today we're talking to Jan de Jonge, who runs People Business Psychology Ltd based in Wiltshire. Jan and his team develop leaders by using psychology and they work globally.

May is the last month of Spring – how has Spring been for you so far? 

Spring 2021 has been one of our busiest few months since we launched our business in November 2012 - nine years ago. The business of people has become more and more important. 

What are your plans for the Summer – for your business and for you? 

Our plans are to connect with our audiences yet more by offering yet more content, advice and insights, and to launch our new online set of personal leadership development tools that we are creating. 

What are you most looking forward this summer which you had to step away from last summer? 

Although online communication works well, nothing beats meeting people in the flesh. That may be a little more safe to do than it is now. I weigh up many different sources (of info and opinion) to make up my mind about things I will do, and why, and where.

May is National Walking Month, and walking was an activity which was one thing we could do over the last 12 months.  Please share your walking experiences in recent years. 

I was lucky to have walked many miles in the Peak District in recent times when away on a project in Derbyshire. As a psychologist, I read research on what is good for us; walking, for those who can, is one of the best ways of looking after yourself. 

We are long-time sponsors of Corsham Walking Festival (step up to it in June!). Walking; it’s like a step in the right direction. 

Where is your favourite place to walk? 

It is anywhere I have not been yet. I consciously watch and mindfully takes in the things I see and marvel at. The concept of ‘Awe walks’ springs to mind.

Can you name one day in May which is important for you in your business or in your personal life? Why is that date important? 

Every day is. A business relation of mine in India told me recently on the phone that he has caught Covid19. It made me pause. So, yes, every day is important. Waking up and living.  

Have you got any events planned for the coming months which you’d like to mention – where you and/or your business will take a leading role? 

We are working towards launching a new, more user-friendly way of measuring how people in leadership positions see themselves and what they do ‘at a micro level’. 

Modern tech helps to get a better measure of that. With help from a local marketing company we aim to get many people to come on board with that. Self-insight is what we are wanting to improve in our leaders.

Are you attending (have you booked) any events at all for you as a business person, or for you personally that you are really looking forward to? 

Not yet. I don’t feel safe enough yet – even having had that first vaccination. 

What’s your one top business tip to help others be positive about their business in May 2021? 

Hold yourself accountable; don’t blame ‘it’ on others. 

Tell us all one funny thing about you which we won’t know and you are happy to share (make us laugh!).

I have such a lovely soft voice, and my first name is Jan…:  people on the phone often think I am a female. Heh, I could make money from it..! 

Have you got any Spring services or special offers you’d like to mention? 

Those people in leadership roles can benefit from getting an insight into their leadership by telling us they want to help build the initial group of responses – at no cost.   

And finally:

Yes…: I detest Brexit and much of what it (in my well-informed opinion) stands for. I say this, here, because Brexit has an immediate bearing on how I answered most of the previous questions.

For more information visit www.peoplebusinesspsychology.com